Call for action to tackle drink and drugs den

A woodland area near a children’s playpark has been turned into an unsightly drink and drugs den by rowdie youths.

And the litter they leave behind is so bad dozens of dogs have been injured, it has been claimed.

Meanwhile, a photographer sent to the scene in Bishopbriggs this week by the Herald was chased away by boozed-up neds.

The area of High Moss, near Bishopbriggs Community Church, was cleaned up last year by East Dunbartonshire Council after residents complained to the Herald. But according to one woman the problem is as bad as ever.

She said: “There are smashed bottles and aerosol cans from their substance abuse lying all over the ground.

“People trying to walk through the area with their kids or dogs have to dodge the rubbish.

“If it’s not condoms it’s broken glass. The place is a bomb site.

“There can be up to 10 to 15 of them there. Some days they are like zombies because of the aerosols. You can see them staggering around.”

The woman also suspects drug deals are being done and has reported it to Police Scotland.

Inspector John Hunter said: “We ask members of the public to be vigilant in matters like this and if they see anything of suspicion or concern don’t hesitate to contact the police.”

Evonne Bauer, East Dunbartonshire Council’s community protection manager, said: “Our community protection team was aware of this complaint several months ago, relating to issues in the park adjacent to Bishopbriggs Community Church. Community wardens were deployed in the area to deter anti-social behaviour.

“At the time they also liaised with colleagues from Neighbourhood Services and Police Scotland.”

The council official said wardens would attend the area again and report any environmental issues to Neighbourhood Services, who would clear it up.